Taking the 3 Refuges and 5 Precepts -- by Jolene Tan

On 7th January, 2007, I took the 3 Refuges and 5 Precepts at the Buddha Dharma Mandala Society (BDMS) at a simple refuge taking ceremony conducted by Venerable Dhammika, the spiritual advisor of BDMS. Actually, this is my second time participating in this meaningful event as I had taken the 3 Refuges and 5 Precepts before after a Dharma camp in December 2005 which was conducted at the National University of Singapore Buddhist Society.

Many people may wonder, why should I undergo this ceremony? Why can’t I be a Buddhist at heart? And in my case, why did I choose to do it a second time? Although I do not claim to be an expert, having undergone this process, it is my hope that this article would be able to shed some light on this meaningful event.

When I first underwent the ceremony in 2005, I had just begun to learn more about Buddhism. The saying, "ehi passiko" means "come and see" and having done this, I found that Buddhism has offered a rational way of life which has answered many of my doubts. Thus, I decided to undergo the refuge-taking ceremony then, to signify my commitment to the path seeking enlightenment and happiness. The reason I took refuge again in January this year was to reaffirm my commitment towards learning the Dharma. Sometimes, due to studying commitments and other reasons, I found that I had neglected my practice, such as not allocating time for daily meditation or puja (devotional offering). However, I did continue attend Dharma talks and read some books. I was confident that Buddhism was the right path for me. Since one of my New Year resolutions was to progress on the spiritual path by devoting time for my practice, what better way to reaffirm my commitment at the start of the new year? Thus, armed with a better understanding of Buddhism, I chose to take refuge again.

For the ceremony, we were instructed to wear a white T-shirt. White represents purity and wearing white symbolized that we were making a commitment to live a life of purity. During the refuge taking ceremony itself, Venerable Dhammika led us in reciting some Pali chants, "Namo Tassa" which paid homage to the Lord Buddha; "Ti-Sarana" whereby we recited our commitment in seeking refuge in the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha and "Panca Sila" whereby we recited the Five Precepts which served as guidelines for us to lead a moral and virtuous life.

After the recitation, Venerable Dhammika presented us with a certificate which certified that we had taken the Three Refuges and had thus, entered the fellowship of the Buddhist community. As I had requested for a Buddhist name, Venerable Dhammika gave me the name, "Medhajoti" : "Medha" means "knowing" while "joti" means "light" or "radiance" Hence, when put together, "Medhajoti" meant, "The Light of Radiance" and I hope it would serve as an inspiration or reminder to me when I drift away from the path. This name would also serve as a reminder for me to engage in right effort and diligence while pursuing the path of wisdom.

After the ceremony, Venerable Dhammika gave a Dharma talk about the significance of taking the 3 Refuges and Five Precepts ceremony and that we were fortunate to have the chance to do so. He explained that this opportunity was not to be taken for granted as there are places where people do not have the blessings to be in touch with The Dharma. Hence, I felt deeply grateful for having this wonderful opportunity to be able to take the 3 Refuges.

The word "refuge" means to seek protection from danger or trouble. For me, seeking refuge in the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha is a means to seek shelter and protection from the world of suffering. Although the ceremony of the 3 Refuges and 5 Precepts was a simple one, it was a solemn and significant event which symbolized my faith and commitment to the path of wisdom and to lead a virtuous life. It is my wish that through this refuge-taking ceremony, I would be able to progress on the path and become a wiser and better person.

(Jolene is a 4th year Economics student from NUS, pursuing a Bachelor of Social Sciences degree.)

1. The 3 Refuges:

1. I go to the Buddha for refuge

2. I go to the Dharma for refuge

3. I go to the Sangha for refuge

2. The 5 Precepts:

1. I take the precept to abstain from killing.

I will act for the welfare and happiness of all beings.

2. I take the precept to abstain from stealing.

I will be generous, open-handed and take delight in sharing.

3. I take the precept to abstain from sexual misconduct.

I will care for the body, keeping it pure in all ways.

4. I take the precept to abstain from lying.

I will speak the truth, words mild, pleasant and noble.

5. I take the precept to abstain from intoxicating drinks and drugs.

I will care for the mind, keeping it pure, alert and unconfused.

Explanatory notes are excerpted from Nava Puja, a collection of chants and verses for daily devotions and group worships, published by Buddha Dharma Mandala Society.